Canon 245XL/246XL Ink: Why MC SUPRINT's Combo Pack Fails
When your Canon printer flashes the low-ink warning, the 245XL/246XL combo pack seems like a cost-saving solution. However, with a 1.67-star average from over 3,500 verified buyers, this MC SUPRINT replacement has become a cautionary tale. Here's what you need to know before trusting a third-party ink cartridge with your prints.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- Compatibility: The 245XL and 246XL are used in a range of Canon PIXMA models (e.g., TS5320, TS6320, MG3620). Always verify that the replacement matches your specific printer model, as even minor design differences can cause installation issues.
- Ink Quality and Yield: Third-party cartridges often claim similar page yields to OEM (e.g., 400 pages for 245XL), but real-world performance can vary. Look for cartridges with clear ISO/IEC yield ratings and consistent color output, as poor ink can cause smudging, streaking, or faded prints.
- Reliability: The most common complaint in reviews for this product is premature failure—cartridges not being recognized, leaking, or drying out within weeks. A low price is meaningless if you have to replace the cartridge several times.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Seek cartridges with positive reviews that specifically mention successful installation and long-term reliability over multiple months. Look for brands that offer a clear warranty or satisfaction guarantee, and check whether they use high-quality chips that are compatible with Canon's firmware updates. Avoid products with a high percentage of 1-star reviews, as this often indicates systemic issues.
Inkjet Ink Cartridges Market Context
Market Overview
The inkjet cartridge market is flooded with third-party alternatives that promise savings of 50-70% compared to OEM cartridges. While some brands deliver acceptable quality, many fail to meet the reliability standards of Canon's own ink. The market is polarized, with a few trusted remanufacturers (like those with consistent 4-star ratings) and a long tail of poorly performing budget options.
Common Issues
Common problems with third-party ink include cartridge recognition failures (printer says 'ink not detected'), poor color accuracy (especially for photo printing), and physical defects like leaking or misaligned nozzles. Users also report that some cartridges arrive with insufficient ink, leading to premature 'empty' warnings.
Quality Indicators
Quality third-party cartridges are typically ISO-certified, come from brands with a history of positive reviews, and include a warranty. Look for cartridges that are 'new' rather than 'remanufactured' if you want more consistent performance. Transparent chip technology that mimics OEM behavior is a sign of engineering investment.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade A Interpretation
The Grade A rating (with an estimated fake review rate of only 5%) indicates that the overwhelmingly negative reviews are authentic. This means the 1.60/5 adjusted rating is a true reflection of real customer experience, not a result of review manipulation. You can trust that the complaints are genuine.
Trust Recommendation
Given the high authenticity of the negative feedback, you should take the low rating at face value. The near-consensus of failure across 3,500+ reviews is a strong signal that this product has fundamental quality issues. Do not dismiss the negative reviews as outliers; they represent the typical experience.
Tips for Reading Reviews
When reading reviews for this product, focus on specific technical details—such as error messages, printer model, and the time to failure. Look for patterns in the photos of leaked or damaged cartridges. Also, note that positive reviews are few and may be from users who had a lucky first experience; prioritize the long-term reliability comments.
Expert Perspective
MC SUPRINT's 245XL/246XL combo pack is a textbook example of a budget ink product that fails to meet consumer expectations. With a 1.67-star rating and a 5% fake review rate, the data clearly indicates that most buyers experience significant problems, ranging from installation issues to complete cartridge failure. The product's low price cannot compensate for its unreliability, and the emotional frustration in the reviews—using words like 'waste of money' and 'garbage'—is a strong indicator of systemic defects.
Purchase Considerations
If you are considering this product, weigh the initial savings against the high probability of having to buy a replacement or even a new printer if ink leaks and damages the printhead. The risk of damaging your Canon printer is not worth the modest discount. Unless you are willing to gamble on a defective unit, avoid this product and instead invest in OEM cartridges or a reputable third-party brand with a proven track record.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare this product with other third-party 245XL/246XL cartridges that have higher ratings, such as those from brands like LD or E-Z Ink, which often have 4-star averages. Also consider the Canon OEM 245XL/246XL combo pack, which, while more expensive, offers guaranteed compatibility and quality.